Customized therapeutic puzzles

ABSTRACT

According to the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic puzzle. The puzzle comprises a plurality puzzle pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface of one or more of the pieces features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when the pieces are assembled in the pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle.

This application claims priority based on U.S. Patent Application 61/650,544 entitled “CUSTOMIZED THERAPEUTIC PUZZLES” filed May 23, 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tools for therapeutic use. More particularly, the invention relates to customized therapeutic puzzles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's fast paced society, people are often faced with stress overload due to work related pressures, family problems and other personal issues. As a population, we experience many significant changes and events throughout the course of life which impact on our health and well being. Many of us will directly or indirectly experience bullying, addictions, illness, bereavement, separation, divorce, abuse or other difficult issues.

In order to cope with stress and illness or resolve problems so as to be able to live a healthier lifestyle, we sometimes require assistance. This assistance may be in the form of self-help, therapy or counseling. Sometimes, various therapeutic aids or tools are utilized.

For example, DVD's, books, charts and other visual aids may be used for the purposes of conveying information and educating individuals or patients who are facing certain challenges in life or have certain illnesses or conditions.

Such tools are helpful to the extent that they allow patients and individuals to better understand what they are experiencing. However, since they are mainly intended to convey information and are not interactive, they are generally not very thought or feeling provoking. Thus, they often do very little to encourage open dialogue or to assist a patient or individual in working through a particular issue.

In order to make therapy or counseling sessions more interactive and productive, some counselors or therapists also use cue cards as a tool. However, in view of their impersonal and generic nature, they are also not always particularly effective in terms of facilitating discussion.

Various types of puzzles have also been used as tools for educational or therapeutic purposes. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,678 to Forbes, et al., which discloses a puzzle made of soft fabric with differing tactility for use by Alzheimer's and dementia patients. The puzzle is intended to be used as therapy for individuals with motor skills or cognitive impairment. The differing tactility is purported to be of therapeutic benefit to Alzheimer's and patients suffering from other types of dementia.

By way of further example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,510,187 to Haag discloses a puzzle with a picture section and a message section. The user must assemble the message section pieces in the correct order so as to reveal a message. Haag teaches the use of the puzzle as an educational tool. For example, to teach children how to spell their names.

It is desirable to use tools for the purposes of self-help, therapy and counseling. There is a need for a tool which is personalized in nature and designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result such as reflection or discussion on specific issues arising out of a family break-up or reinforcement of familial names, faces and relationships in an Alzheimer's patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customized therapeutic puzzle. The puzzle comprises a plurality of puzzle pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface of one or more of the pieces features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when the pieces are assembled in the pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a therapeutic device consisting of a plurality of pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges. The side edges comprise a series of protrusions and indentations. The protrusions and indentations of one of the plurality of pieces mate in a detachably complimentary fashion with the protrusions and indentations of another of the plurality of pieces so that the plurality of pieces can be detachably assembled in a pre-determined pattern so as to form a therapeutic message integrated on the top surface of the pieces.

The therapeutic message may be an image, a drawing or a photograph. It may also be written text. The therapeutic message may be personalized to the puzzle user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a piece (or pieces) of a therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic partially assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bereavement;

FIG. 2 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bereavement;

FIG. 3 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in personalized assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bereavement;

FIG. 4 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to preventing suicide in children being bullied;

FIG. 5 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in a personalized assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bullying;

FIG. 6 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to dealing with mental illness;

FIG. 7 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzled according to the present invention in a personalized assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to Alzheimer's disease.

Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a customized therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention which is designed to assist individuals in dealing with issues relating to bereavement. The therapeutic puzzle (10) consists of a plurality of puzzle pieces (12). Each puzzle piece has a top surface (14), a bottom surface and complimentary joints (16) for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface (14) of one or more of the puzzle pieces (12) features a therapeutic message (18) or a series of therapeutic messages which are conveyed to a puzzle user when the pieces (12) are assembled in a pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle (10). Each therapeutic message (18) is designed to elicit reflection on the part of the puzzle user and facilitate discussion between the puzzle user and a therapist or counselor.

The therapeutic message (18) may be an image, a drawing, a photograph, written text or some other visual aid. The therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages may focus on a number of different personal social, emotional, cognitive or health related issues. For example, the messages may focus on: divorce and separation; Alzheimer's; addictions; bereavement; abuse; bullying, Parkinson's; terminal illnesses or sexual orientation.

FIG. 2 shows a therapeutic puzzle (10) which relates to bereavement. The puzzle (10) is designed to assist one in starting over after the loss of a partner. The puzzle is intended to help the one who has been left behind move on and work through his or her grief.

As shown in FIG. 2, each puzzle piece (12) features a certain therapeutic message which amounts to a potential thought or discussion point. For Example, the message (22) “No one can take my place as the children's mother. I give them permission to love someone else, if they are good to them”, is designed to help the parent who has been left behind know that it is okay to introduce someone else into his or her child's life after the passing of their loved one. The message conveys that in doing so, the parent is not being replaced. The child will always remember who his or her mother/father is and cherish them.

Each part of the puzzle (10) can be reflected upon by the puzzle user or discussed between the puzzle user and a counselor, therapist or other individual until the puzzle user is ready to move on and process the next corresponding message to achieve a pre-determined therapeutic result. By gradually working through the puzzle (10), a puzzle user is able to work through the emotional issues relating to separation or divorce or another problem or issue. The puzzle pieces (12) may be assembled over a certain period of time or over a number of counseling or therapy sessions.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in personalized assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to bereavement. The puzzle (10) has been personalized by incorporating photographs (36) of a puzzle user's family members. This can sometimes help the puzzle user to identify with the therapeutic messages (18) and on a deeper level internalize the messages.

The message (24) which consists of a combination of written text, namely, “We thought we would grow old together” and a photograph, is intended to help a parent who has lost a loved one confront his or her feelings of anger, resentment and loss.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to preventing suicide in children being bullied. Again, each puzzle piece (12) features a certain therapeutic message which amounts to a potential thought or discussion point. For example, the message (38) “They are often jealous of you, your personality, friends or material things you possess” is intended to help a child who is being bullied understand why it is happening. More particularly, the message helps the child to understand that it is the bully who is the problem. By way of further example, the message (40) “keep your “power””, encourages children who are being bullied not to let it get to them and to feel strong and good about themselves, despite the bullying.

FIG. 5 shows a therapeutic puzzle (10) which is specifically designed to address bullying. Message (26), “You feel worthless and you feel that you have no future”, message (28), “You envy your peers' relationships with their loved ones” and message (30), “Bullying makes you feel empowered”, all assist the puzzle user to recognize and acknowledge the reasons he or she is bullying and it challenges the puzzle user to confront some of the thoughts and feelings that lead to bullying behaviors. The therapeutic message (32) “Do not worry how your so called bullying friends perceive you. You know you are a good person let it show” can empower the puzzle user to learn how to overcome bullying.

The puzzle (10) has been customized to show a photograph of the puzzler user (the child who is bullying). This enables the puzzle user to relate more to the therapeutic messages and process the messages on a much deeper level. The puzzle (10) may be worked on over a number of counseling or therapy sessions to assist individuals in coming to terms with why they bully, why they are connected with people who bully and what they can do to overcome it.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an embodiment of the therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention in generic assembled form featuring a series of therapeutic messages relating to dealing with mental illness. The puzzle (10) features a series of therapeutic messages. For example, the message (42) “Be happy, you could have a terminal illness with only a few months to live” is designed to remind an individual that a mental illness is something that one can live with, if it is kept under control. Unlike a terminal illness, an individual with a mental illness can live a very long, happy and fulfilled life. This message is intended to assist the puzzle user to view his or her mental illness in a more positive light. By way of further example, the message (44) “Mental illness is a sickness like any other”, is intended to remind an individual suffering from a mental illness that it needs attention and treatment, just like any other physical illness condition, or ailment.

FIG. 7 is a personalized form of a therapeutic puzzle (10) which is designed to assist individuals with Alzheimer's. The therapeutic messages may consist of pictures and names of the puzzle user's family.

The therapeutic puzzle according to the present invention is similar to a jigsaw puzzle but combines personalization with therapeutic messages which are intended to bring about a predetermined therapeutic result. For example, family discussion on specific issues arising out of a family break-up or reinforcement of familial names, faces and relationships for Alzheimer's patients.

The message or series of messages conveyed by the therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may focus on any number of different conditions, problems or illnesses including, but not limited to: divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.

The therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may be plastic, cardboard or even magnetic, so as to be more user-friendly. It may also include a flat puzzle assembly surface comprising a raised border (34), within which the puzzle pieces (12) may be assembled into a pre-determined pattern.

It will be understood that text within the therapeutic puzzle (10) according to the present invention may be written in any language.

Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A therapeutic puzzle comprising: a plurality of pieces, each of said pieces having a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern, wherein the top surface of one or more of said pieces includes a therapeutic aid which features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when said pieces are assembled in said pre-determined pattern to form said puzzle.
 2. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the therapeutic message is an image, drawing or photograph.
 3. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 2 wherein the image, drawing or photograph is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user.
 4. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the therapeutic message consists of written text.
 5. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 4 wherein the written text is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user.
 6. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 1 further comprising a flat puzzle assembly surface.
 7. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 6 wherein the puzzle assembly surface further comprises a raised border said pieces fitting within said border when assembled in said pre-determined pattern.
 8. A therapeutic puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages focus on one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.
 9. The use of a therapeutic puzzle according to claim 1 for the treatment of one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.
 10. A therapeutic device comprising: a plurality of pieces, each of said pieces having a top surface, a bottom surface and side edges, said side edges comprising a series of protrusions and indentations, wherein said protrusions and indentations of one of said plurality of pieces mate in a detachably complimentary fashion with said protrusions and indentations of another of said plurality of pieces for detachably assembling said plurality of pieces in a pre-determined pattern forming a therapeutic message integrated on the top surface of said pieces.
 11. A therapeutic device according to claim 10 wherein the therapeutic message is an image, drawing or photograph.
 12. A therapeutic device according to claim 11 wherein the image, drawing or photograph is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user.
 13. A therapeutic device according to claim 10 wherein the therapeutic message consists of written text.
 14. A therapeutic device according to claim 13 wherein the written text is personalized to a specific individual puzzle user.
 15. A therapeutic device according to claim 10 further comprising a flat assembly surface.
 16. A therapeutic device according to claim 15 wherein the flat assembly surface further comprises a raised border, said pieces fitting within said border when assembled in said pre-determined pattern.
 17. A therapeutic device according to claim 10 wherein the therapeutic message or series of therapeutic messages focus on one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation.
 18. The use of a therapeutic device according to claim 10 for the treatment of one or more issues selected from the group comprising divorce, separation, Alzheimer's, addictions, bereavement, abuse, bullying, Parkinson's, terminal illnesses and sexual orientation. 